ISSN : 2581-7728 Issue-1 Tumbe International e-Magazine Volume-2 A Multilanguage Magazine Jan-June : 2019 Gymnema sylvestre Manju G E BSc II year-CBZ GFGC, Tumkur [email protected] Ph: 9380509272 Gymnema sylvestre is a perennial woody vine that grows in tropical areas of India, Africa, and Australia and has been used for medicinal purposes in Ayurvedic medicine. Common names include gymnema,Australian cowplant, and Periploca of the woods, and the Hindi term gurmar, which means "sugar destroyer". Scientific classification Kingdom:Plantae Clade:Angiosperms Clade:Eudicots Clade:Asterids Order:Gentianales Family:Apocynaceae Genus:Gymnema Species:G. sylvestre Binomial name:Gymnema sylvestre The leaves and extracts contain gymnemic acids, the major bioactive constituents that interact with taste receptors on the tongue to temporarily suppress the taste of sweetness. properties. Its leaves contain triterpenoid saponins, flavonols, and gurmarin. The major biologically active plant molecules are gymnemic acids, a class of triterpenoid saponins, which have the effect of suppressing the taste of sweetness on the tongue from sucrose (sugar), stevia, xylitol, and artificial sweeteners such as aspartame. The sweet-blocking effect of G. sylvestre lasts from 15to 50 minutes and may even persist for several hours. Gymnemic acids apparently have no long-term effects on taste and they do not influence bitter, salty, and sour taste perception. Uses Reduction of sugar intake: G. sylvestre extracts taken in the form of lozenges, mouthwash, or tea diminishes the consumption of sweet foods and overall caloric intake. Extracts (formulated as a mint lozenge) reduced For More Details Visit www.tumbe.org Page | 52 ISSN : 2581 - 7728 Tumbe International e-Magazine the desire for high-sugar foods and the pleasant taste of candy.Research also suggests that Gymnema sylvestre extracts reduce cravings for sugar. In a double-blind study, participants who received a gymnemic acid lozenge declined candy (before tasting it) more often than the placebo group. Diabetes Early research suggests when a specific gymnema extract (GS4) is taken orally along with insulin or diabetes medications, blood sugar reduction in people with type 1 or type 2 diabetes is enhanced.[citation needed] Weight loss In Japan, 50 tons of G. sylvestre leaves are consumed annually for the purpose of weight loss.Early research suggests that taking a specific combination of Gymnema sylvestre extract, hydroxycitric acid, and niacin-bound chromium by mouth for 8 weeks might reduce body weight in people who are overweight or obese.[citation needed] Traditional uses In Eastern and Ayurvedic medicine, G. sylvestre leaves and extracts have been used to treat eye diseases, allergies, constipation, cough, dental caries, obesity, stomach ailments, and viral infections. G. sylvestre has also been used as an antioxidant, antimicrobial, and aphrodisiac. Volume -2 Issue-1 (Jan-June : 2019) www.tumbe.org Page | 53 .